Goldenvoice Prez Rick Van Santen Dies

Rick Van Santen, co-president of L.A.-based concert promoter Goldenvoice, died Dec. 28. He was 41. He had been suffering from the flu, but tests are under way to determine cause of death.

Rick Van Santen, co-president of L.A.-based concert promoter Goldenvoice, died Dec. 28. He was 41. He had been suffering from the flu, but tests are under way to determine cause of death.

Van Santen joined Goldenvoice in 1985 and served as co-president alongside Paul Tollett for the last 13 years. During his time at Goldenvoice, which was acquired in 2001 by AEG, Van Santen was key to jumpstarting the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Tollett says Van Santen was also instrumental in bolstering live music in Alaska and Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Musicians Assistance Program and Silver Lake Conservancy.